Heroin users needed for new research trial
10 June 2009
Hunter New England Health is looking for heroin users for a new research program that could improve treatment options and reduce waiting times for treatment.
Fifty (50) people are needed for the approved trial of the drug buprenorphine-naloxone (also known as Suboxone).
The 12-week controlled trial is being run through the Newcastle and Cessnock Pharmacotherapy clinics. Anyone interested in joining the trial should contact Jenny on 4016 4514. Eligibility criteria apply.
Area Director of Drug and Alcohol Services Associate Professor Adrian Dunlop said the main aim of the trial is to determine whether heroin users receiving buprenorphine-naloxone have a greater reduction in heroin use after three months, compared to patients on a waiting list for methadone or other substitution treatment.
“At present patients on substitution treatments have to come into one of our clinics or to a GP and pharmacy every day to be given their medication and to be supervised taking it,” Associate Professor Dunlop said.
“During this trial, patients attend a clinic on a weekly basis for case management, medical review and to receive their medication, which they can take at home.
“This approach to treatment has been successfully implemented in the United States, France and Britain.”
Associate Professor Dunlop said the trial, if successful, could greatly reduce the waiting lists of those wanting to access treatment for their addiction and reduce the burden on stretched health resources.
“Basically, dependent heroin users could get access to appropriate treatment quicker and at less cost to them, the health service and the community,” he said.
“We are hoping to show that buprenorphine-naloxone maintenance, where patients attend a clinic weekly to collect their medication, is potentially a safe, effective, cost-effective and less resource intensive method of providing treatment.”
“We would like to hear from any heroin users in the Newcastle and Hunter communities who want to stop using and who might be interested in taking part in the trial.”
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216